stevedavies

I have developed a leak at one one of the hoses connecting to the steering pump. Its the hose that travels up into the engine bay then travels back down to the steering rack(?). Is this hose repairable ?? Disconnecting at the steering pump is easy but I cant even trace the other end? Can the rubber parts of it be replaced and clamped? Whats involved in replacing complete hose??

ammonman

I was able to find a local shop that fit new hose to the old metal bits. I had to make sure I marked the orientation of the hose ends and such relative to the hose so they could crimp the new parts in the correct position.

Not sure what is involved in getting the hose out and back in on a RHD car. I am sure someone will chime in with the requisite knowledge.

Mike

Mrmerlin

first you need to figure what line is leaking from the pictures it could be the metal line but it could also be the rubber one leaking down onto the metal line. Usually you would replace the rubber line and reservoir the meatl line can be be fixed by removing the band clamps with a dremel and then refitting new line, NOTE that there is probably a restriction in this metal line on the flex hose portion and the hose shop may not be able to make that fitting ,
you could also try cutting off the band clamp and putting on 2 smaller screw hose clamps but thats not for a long term fix.

StratfordShark

Replaced this line (high pressure line from pump to rack) on my previous RHD S4 when it leaked. I bought a new complete line from Porsche (927 347 447 02, cost UKP 188 or about $300 so make sure this is source of leak!).

It is a very funky shape (reminds me of those games which test a steady hand by moving a loop of metal along a bendy wire). I read people had replaced just the rubber section (Pirtek in UK could do this) but when you do the job you'll see the banjo bolts at the rack and the pump have to be in precisely the right orientation to fit nice and square so I went for the complete line.

To remove at rack end you have to unbolt the antiroll bar bushings to get a socket on the banjo bolt. Unbolt at pump end also (I had to drop alternator) and clamps on LHS of engine compartment. I think there was also a clamp where it runs horizontally near LHS engine mount. You can then pull the whole thing down towards floor from under the car. It's quite satisfying how it all threads through neatly. It will be harder if your mounts are not good condition - mine were brand new so there was reasonable clearance to manouevre the line out.

It was an uncomfortable job using axle stands only. I am not an experienced wrencher so if I could do it anyone can with help from this list and the right tools. Take photos before you unbolt things so you can refer to them to see just how the metal lines run in relation to everything else.

The ATF used in the power steering is unpleasant stuff so drain the racl as much as possible before you start work. You will still get some on you as you wrestle with that line! It is a typical 928 job in that it took me ages when I did it, but having done it and seen the trick in getting things to line up and the order of doing things could have done another one much faster.

stevedavies

I am pretty sure its the line between the pump and the rack, but will recheck before removal. What is the purpose of the restrictor. What is the consequence of not having it on refurbed hose?

ROG100

Steve,
We stock the RHD hose for $300. However you should be able to get it rebuilt at a good hydraulic hose shop in the UK. As long as they match the orientation of the rigid pipe section you should be good to go.
Roger

karl ruiter

If the fluid can get on your exhaust there can be a very real fire hazard. So you will want to check for that and prioritize it if so.

stevedavies

I rechecked the leak and it is coming from the pump to rack pipe. It it leaking from the metal pipe to rubber connection close to the steering pump.Looking at the pipe it looks pretty new, even had a Porsche paper label attached. When I checked previous PO service records it been changed 4 years ago (20k miles) by Porsche dealer.

Any thoughts on the restrictor on this hose ?? Is it neccessary?I will try and get it rebuilt first before investing in a new one

StratfordShark

I have not seen consistent reports on the restrictor. People have reported:

- no change in feel at any speed without restrictor
- steering felt too light at higher speeds without restrictor
- some slight cavitation noises without restrictor

I dont know if it makes any difference that you have a my91 which like my 91 has higher output pump ( less steering effirt than my previous my88, most noticeable at parking speeds).

So I am also curious about role and necessity of restrictor!

stevedavies

Ok will report back

stevedavies

Managed to get hose off. Man it was tight as a budgies crutch under there. It took a lot of effort and maneouvering to get it out. Cant see any evidence of hole or damage to the pipe. Leak only occurs with engine running and it leaves about a small puddle when stationary.
I checked the old service history and the car has only done 8k miles (2007) since this pipe was replaced. It looked pretty new and had an original Porsche paperwork attached to it. Is this normal to fail so early?

Going to try Pirtekto get refurbed

oaros

Please update us on the outcome as I am considering Pirtek for rebuilding powersteering, transcooler, and some of the fuel lines. My steering rack is also comming out as soon as I find all the seals.

Any more pics?
Cheers

soontobered84

I had mine rebuilt locally for the Stepson. The local shop told me that the restriction was put there to reduce noise. I have never noticed any differences and can't seem to hear any additional noises.

stevedavies

Will do. Taking to Pirtek tomorrow. Will report on their thoughts/comments on restrictor also.

Oaros, re the fuel lines Roger sells a kit to replace the fuel lines, I did intake refrresh recently and changed the fuel lines at same time. Kit covers all fuel lines in bay. Well worth it for peace of mind. Spontaneous combustion seems to be a little easier for petrol than Dexron!!

Gary Knox

Steve,

The bad news is that putting it in isn't going to be even as easy as getting the old one out!! Had to do this last summer on my '88 S4 manual (125K miles), as it developed a leak in this high pressure hose at a track event. Got home OK, but it took a lot of negotiating with the engine and wheel well on a LHD car to get the replacement hose installed.

Good luck, hope the repair works better & for much longer than whatever the Porsche shop did!

Gary Knox